Three children and woman die in horror crash

Chris Page, Digital First Team

A woman and three children have died in a rush hour pile-up involving four HGVs and four cars

A 45-year-old woman, 11-year-old boy, 11-year-old girl and 13-year old boy, all from Bedfordshire, died in the collision, which closed a section of the A34 in Berkshire for several hours yesterday. They are believed to have been travelling in the same car.

A 30-year-old man from Andover has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed until October 5, Thames Valley Police said.

A man with life-threatening injuries was flown by air ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains, while a man and teenage boy with minor injuries were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and have since been discharged.

Nine other people who were slightly hurt were treated at the scene following the accident.

The northbound carriageway, between Chieveley at junction 13 of the M4 and between the West Ilsley junction was closed until 6.30am on Thursday.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, head of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: "Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this tragedy.

"Can I ask anyone who witnessed the collision, including anyone travelling on the southbound carriageway who saw anything they believe is significant, to contact police."